IT was once said that we have to preserve the well-being of the planet for future generations. But it now seems that the threat is imminent, and within the span of current generations’ lifetimes. A recent report by the United Nations’ scientific panel on climate change warns of looming consequences as early as 2040 — wildfires, the death of coral reefs, and rising food shortages being just some of the anticipated disasters. The panel recommends rethinking and restructuring the global economy. But are the decision makers — world leaders, economists, and the owners of giant corporations — paying attention? And will they be able to put aside political differences, urgently form new policies and implement them across the board?

Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the risks of climate change. According to a Gallup poll, we are also now one of 19 countries in which the majority of the population considers climate change to be a leading threat. Although we produce only 0.34pc of global greenhouse gases, we suffer the effects disproportionately due to our geographical makeup. Being an agrarian economy, with more than 50pc of the population linked to agricultural activities directly or indirectly, the implications are even more disastrous. We have already witnessed the distressing effects of unpredictable and unprecedented weather changes in the form of floods that have displaced millions in Sindh; severe water shortages, drought, and starvation in Thar and Balochistan; heatwaves in Karachi that claimed the lives of 1,200 people in its worst spell; and flash floods and landslides in the Gilgit-Baltistan area. This has led to large-scale climate-caused migration. The Paris Agreement stated that responsibility for climate change lies with all countries. Encouragingly, the PTI government has made climate change a top priority. In his first address to the nation, the prime minister listed environment in his 11-point agenda. The country must follow a strict course of action and implement the frequent reporting of progress. Adapt or perish. If not, the future looks dystopian.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2018